I was getting ready to put a new camshaft in this engine. The starter does not have enough power to turn the engine past the compression stroke. The valves are adjusted correctly and the keyway is good. Here is the puzzling part and why I posted this -- If I turn the engine backwards until I hit the compression stroke and then try to start it, the starter turns it over fine. With the key off it will turn and turn and turn. Is the camshaft / compression release really shot or is it the starter ????? It will not turn it past the compression stroke from a dead start. Why is it able to get by the compression stroke once it starts spinning ?????

Hello, I've got an electric chainsaw that hasn't been used in 2.5 years from this old man. The chainsaw used to work ok says, but now it doesn't start. Not a sound. I know absolutely nothing about tool repair and proper maintainance. What could be the problem and how can I go about fixing it? Also, something that has been on my mind for a while. Can anyone suggest some books/material where I can learn about tool repair and maintainance? I feel like it's a very necessary knowledge to have and I would like to learn. Thanks for all the help. ps. I've also got a jigsaw and a blender from this same man. This is not so important. But these two work. They start. All 3 were in the basement, very dusty and the blades on jigsaw and blender are rusted. They start, but blades move in a very small tempo. The blender and the jigsaw will totally halt when I try to use them on something (as if not strong enough).